Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F23/00—Cases for tobacco, snuff, or chewing tobacco
  • A24F23/02—Tobacco pouches
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
  • A24B13/00—Tobacco for pipes, for cigars, e.g. cigar inserts, or for cigarettes; Chewing tobacco; Snuff
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C65/76—Making non-permanent or releasable joints
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/40—General aspects of joining substantially flat articles, e.g. plates, sheets or web-like materials; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles; Joining single elements to substantially flat surfaces
  • B29C66/41—Joining substantially flat articles ; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles
  • B29C66/43—Joining a relatively small portion of the surface of said articles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D31/00—Bags or like containers made of paper and having structural provision for thickness of contents
  • B65D31/12—Bags or like containers made of paper and having structural provision for thickness of contents with two or more compartments
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
  • B65D33/007—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags for facilitating the separation of the two walls, e.g. walls of inequal height, tabs; for maintaining the mouth of the sack or bag open
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
  • B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
  • B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
  • B65D33/25—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners
  • B65D33/2508—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D65/00—Wrappers or flexible covers; Packaging materials of special type or form
  • B65D65/02—Wrappers or flexible covers
  • B65D65/14—Wrappers or flexible covers with areas coated with adhesive
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
  • B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
  • B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
  • B65D75/52—Details
  • B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
  • B65D75/5855—Peelable seals
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
  • B29K2623/00—Use of polyalkenes or derivatives thereof for preformed parts, e.g. for inserts
  • B29K2623/10—Polymers of propylene
  • B29K2623/12—PP, i.e. polypropylene
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
  • B29K2705/00—Use of metals, their alloys or their compounds, for preformed parts, e.g. for inserts
  • B29K2705/02—Aluminium
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
  • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
  • B29L2031/712—Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages
  • B29L2031/7128—Bags, sacks, sachets
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
  • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
  • B29L2031/7414—Smokers'' requisites, e.g. pipe cleaners

Definitions

• This disclosure relates to packaging technologies, and in particular to the formation of a package in the form of a pouch.
• a packaged commodity is hand-rolled tobacco.
• a package of hand-rolled tobacco is hermetically sealed up to the point of opening. After opening, the tobacco loses moisture and dries out, so affecting the smoking experience.
• a package in the form of a pouch comprising: a first flexible sheet part; a second flexible sheet part; a first permanent seal between the first sheet part and the second sheet part along a first edge of the pouch; a second permanent seal between the first sheet part and the second sheet part along a second edge of the pouch opposite to the first edge; a first temporary seal between the first sheet part and the second sheet part, the first temporary seal extending across the pouch between the first permanent seal and the second permanent seal; a second temporary seal between the first sheet part and the second sheet part, the second temporary seal extending across the pouch between the first permanent seal and the second permanent seal; a first compartment bounded by the first sheet part, the second sheet part, the first permanent seal, the second permanent seal and the first temporary seal; and a second compartment bounded by the first sheet part, the second sheet part, the first permanent seal, the second permanent seal, the first temporary seal and the second temporary seal.
• the first sheet part and the second sheet part may be parts of a continuous flexible sheet, with the second sheet part folded against the first sheet part.
• the first sheet part and the second sheet part may be separate pieces of flexible sheet and the package further comprises a third permanent seal between the first sheet part and the second sheet part along a third edge of the pouch.
• At least one of the first temporary seal and the second temporary seal may comprise a peelable adhesive seal.
• At least one of the first temporary seal and the second temporary seal may comprise, or further comprise, a resealable adhesive seal.
• the resealable adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive.
• At least one of the first temporary seal and the second temporary seal may comprise or consist of a peelable adhesive seal or a resealable seal.
• the resealable seal may be a resealable adhesive seal, like e.g. a pressure sensitive adhesive, or a resealable fixing, like e.g. a zipper.
• at least one of the first and second temporary seal comprises or consists of a peelable adhesive seal. More preferably, the first temporary seal may comprise or consist of a peelable adhesive seal.
• the first temporary seal may comprise or consist of a peelable adhesive seal
• the second temporary seal may comprise or consist of a resealable seal, like e.g. a resealable adhesive seal or a resealable fixing.
• At least one of the first temporary seal and the second temporary seal may further comprise a resealable fixing.
• the flexible sheet parts may comprise adhesive properties which vary according to temperature applied to the first layer.
• the sheet parts may have a first adhesion value at a first applied temperature and a second adhesion value at a second applied temperature, wherein the second adhesion value is lower than the first adhesion value and the second temperature is lower than the first temperature.
• the first sheet part may be longer than the second sheet part and wherein a portion of the first sheet part which is not overlapped by the second sheet part may comprise a flap for the pouch.
• the flap may comprise a temporary seal for sealing the flap against the pouch.
• the second temporary seal may be offset from a free edge of the second sheet part to form a throat of the pouch, wherein the first sheet part is overlapped by the second sheet part at the throat.
• At least one of the compartments may comprise a further seal between the first sheet part and the second sheet part which divides the compartment into two sub-compartments.
• the further seal can extend parallel to the first permanent seal.
• the sub-compartments may be of different size.
• the package may further comprise: a third temporary seal between the first sheet part and the second sheet part, the third temporary seal extending across the pouch between the first permanent seal and the second permanent seal; and a third compartment bounded by the first sheet part, the second sheet part, the first permanent seal, the second permanent seal, the second temporary seal and the third temporary seal.
• the sheet parts may comprise a laminate having a plurality of layers.
• One of the layers of the laminate may comprise a barrier layer.
• the package may be in the form of a tobacco pouch, such as for hand-rolled tobacco.
• the first and/or the second temporary seals may be formed in sealing areas of the first and second flexible sheet parts respectively, wherein the sealing areas are folded from a wide surface area of the first and second flexible sheet part, respectively.
• a pouch type package may be formed, wherein the first compartment is arranged in parallel to the second compartment with a wide surface of the first compartment facing a wide surface of the second compartment.
• the sealing area is folded at an angle of 70° to 120°, preferably of 80° to 1 10°, relative to the wide surface area of the first or the second flexible sheet part, respectively. If the sealing area is folded at such a preferred angle, the package of the invention comprising such sealing area is able to stand on said sealing area, i.e.
• sealing area may form a base or footprint for the package of the invention. Furthermore, if two sealing areas are formed at opposing ends of the package (i.e. first and second temporary seals are formed in respective sealing areas respectively), the resulting package will exhibit an improved stackability compared to classical pouch type packages.
• the opposed sealing areas may be coordinated in size, width and/or position.
• the opposing sealing areas exhibit equal size and/or width.
• the opposing sealing areas are formed and located such that the resulting package exhibits a cuboid-like outer appearance, wherein the opposing sealing members form two opposing faces of said cuboid.
• the sealing members may have a width which exceeds the sum of the thickness of the first and second compartment and, thus, allows for the formation of a spacing between the first compartment and the second compartment.
• Such spacing may be used to place politicians like e.g. a paper booklet between the first and second compartment.
• Such sealing area may have a width from 1 mm to 3 cm, preferably from 2 mm to 2.5 cm. If the sealing area has a width of less than 1 mm, said sealing area may be less suitable to serve as base or footprint for the package of the invention.
• a method of forming a package in the form of a pouch comprising: providing a first sheet part and a second sheet part; forming a first permanent seal between the first sheet part and the second sheet part along a first edge of the pouch; forming a second permanent seal between the first sheet part and the second sheet part along a second edge of the pouch opposite to the first edge; forming a first temporary seal between the first sheet part and the second sheet part, the first temporary seal extending across the pouch between the first permanent seal and the second permanent seal whereby to form a first compartment bounded by the first sheet part, the second sheet part, the first permanent seal, the second permanent seal and the first temporary seal; forming a second temporary seal between the first sheet part and the second sheet part, the second temporary seal extending across the pouch
• the first temporary seal may be formed to comprise or consist of a peelable adhesive seal
• the second temporary seal may be formed to comprise or consist of a resealable seal
• the first sheet part and the second sheet part may be parts of a continuous flexible sheet, the method further comprising folding the second sheet part against the first sheet part before forming the seals.
• the first sheet part and the second sheet part may be separate pieces of flexible sheet material and the method further comprises forming a third permanent seal between the first sheet part and the second sheet part along a third edge of the pouch.
• the first and/or the second temporary seals may be formed in a sealing area of the first and second flexible sheet part which is then folded from a wide surface area of the first and second flexible sheet part, respectively.
• a pouch type package may be formed, wherein the first compartment is arranged in parallel to the second compartment with a wide surface of the first compartment facing a wide surface of the second compartment.
• the sealing area is folded at an angle of 70° to 120°, preferably of 80° to 1 10°, relative to the wide surface area of the first or the second flexible sheet part, respectively. If the sealing area is folded at such a preferred angle, the package of the invention comprising such sealing area is able to stand on said sealing area, i.e.
• said sealing area may form a base or footprint for the package of the invention.
• the opposed sealing areas may be formed such that they are coordinated in size, width and/or position.
• the opposing sealing areas exhibit equal size and/or width.
• the opposing sealing areas are formed and located such that the resulting package exhibits a substantially cuboid-like outer appearance, wherein the opposing sealing members form two opposing faces of said cuboid.
• the sealing members may have a width which exceeds the sum of the thickness of the first and second compartment and, thus, allows for the formation of a spacing between the first compartment and the second compartment.
• Such spacing may be used to place politicians like e.g. a paper booklet between the first and second compartment.
• Such sealing area may have a width from 1 mm to 3 cm, preferably from 2 mm to 2.5 cm. If the sealing area has a width of less than 1 mm, said sealing area may be less suitable to serve as base or footprint for the package of the invention.
• Providing multiple compartments can improve freshness of the stored commodity as a smaller amount of commodity (e.g. tobacco) is exposed when the pouch is opened, thus keeping the rest of the tobacco in a freshly packed environment.
• the pouch is compatible with conventional packing methods and is convenient to use.
• Figure 1 shows a first example of a flat sheet used to form a pouch
• Figure 2 shows the flat sheet of Figure 1 after being formed into the pouch
• Figures 3A and 3B show the final pouch in a storage configuration
• Figure 4 shows another example of a flat sheet used to form a pouch with resealable seals
• Figure 5 shows the flat sheet of Figure 4 after being formed into the pouch
• Figure 6 shows another example of a flat sheet used to form a pouch with sub-compartments
• Figure 7 shows another example of a flat sheet used to form a pouch-type package of the invention.
• Figure 8 shows the final pouch-type package of the invention formed of the flat sheet of Figure 7 in a storage configuration.
• Embodiments of the present invention are described below by way of example only. These examples represent the best ways of putting the invention into practice that are currently known to the Applicant although they are not the only ways in which this could be achieved.
• the description sets forth the functions of the example and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples.
• Figure 1 shows a first example of a flat sheet 10 of flexible sheet material used to form a package.
• the package is in the form of a pouch having multiple compartments.
• Figure 2 shows a front view of the blank after being formed into the pouch and
• Figure 3 shows the assembled pouch.
• the pouch is formed from a single continuous sheet of material which is folded in two to form the pouch.
• the pouch is formed from two separate pieces of sheet material, with one of the pieces being laid upon, and sealed to, the other piece.
• first flexible sheet part 6 refers to the part of the sheet on one side of a fold line 1 1
• second flexible sheet part 7 refers to the part of the sheet on the other side of the fold line 1 1 .
• the flexible sheet material can have a single layer or multiple layers bonded together. A multiple layer material is called a laminate. Edges 12, 13 on opposing sides of the sheet 10 will be called side edges.
• the sheet also has edges 24, 25 at opposing ends of the sheet.
• Figure 1 also shows the location of seals between the first flexible sheet part 6 and the second flexible sheet part 7 to form the pouch.
• the seals are formed when the flat sheet 10 is formed into a pouch.
• a first permanent seal 14 between the first sheet part 6 and the second sheet part 7 is located along the first edge 12 of the pouch.
• a second permanent seal 15 between the first sheet part 6 and the second sheet part 7 is located along a second edge 13 of the pouch opposite to the first edge 12.
• a first temporary seal 16 between the first sheet part 6 and the second sheet part 7 is located transversely across the pouch between the first permanent seal 14 and the second permanent seal 15.
• the first temporary seal 16 can extend up to the edges 12, 13, or stop short of the edges. To ensure a hermetic seal, there should be some overlap between the permanent seals 14, 15 and the temporary seal 16.
• a second temporary seal 17 between the first sheet part 6 and the second sheet part 7 is located transversely across the pouch between the first permanent seal 14 and the second permanent seal 15.
• a first compartment 20 is bounded by the first sheet part 6, the second sheet part 7, the first permanent seal 14, the second permanent seal 15, the first temporary seal 16 and the folded edge 1 1 of the sheet.
• a second compartment 21 is bounded by the first sheet part 6, the second sheet part 7, the first permanent seal 14, the second permanent seal 15, the first temporary seal 16 and the second temporary seal 17.
• compartment is bounded by permanent seals and at least one temporary seal which provide a hermetically sealed environment for the commodity.
• the division of the overall storage space of the pouch into compartments allows the batch of the commodity within compartment 20 to remain hermetically sealed until it is required.
• the flat sheet 10 will be formed into a pouch at one manufacturing location.
• the flat sheet 10 can be partially formed into the pouch during a first manufacturing stage at one location (for example, just forming the permanent seals 13, 14 of the pouch) and then performing the remaining steps during a further manufacturing stage at a different location.
• the term "permanent seal” means a seal which provides structural integrity to a seam of the pouch and which cannot easily be opened by a user. For example, it can be a strong adhesive bond, or a heat weld.
• An example of a permanent seal is where the polymers of the sheet parts 6, 7, under heat, melt and weld together giving a permanent seal. For example, two sheet parts 6, 7, of polythene sealing together.
• temporary seal means a seal which provides a seal between two surfaces, but which can be opened by a user by applying an opening force between the surfaces.
• a temporary seal preferably comprises or consist of a peelable adhesive seal or a resealable seal.
• the resealable seal may be a resealable adhesive seal, like e.g. a pressure sensitive adhesive, or a resealable fixing, like e.g. a zipper.
• at least one of the temporary seals is a peelable seal.
• FIGS 1 and 2 show that the first sheet part 6 is longer than the second sheet part 7.
• a portion 23 of the first sheet part 6 which is not overlapped by the second sheet part 7 comprises a flap for the pouch.
• the flap 23 can comprise a temporary seal for sealing the flap 23 against the remainder of the pouch.
• the flap 23 can carry an adhesive tab (28, Figure 3).
• the tab 28 can have resealable adhesive applied to an inner face of the tab 28 for forming a resealable seal.
• an inner face of the flap 23 itself can have a region of resealable adhesive applied to it for forming a resealable seal.
• the flap 23 can be folded about a fold line located along the line of the temporary seal 17.
• the pouch can be stored with the two compartments 20, 21 laid flat, and the flap 23 lying flat on top of the two compartments 20, 21 .
• the pouch can be stored in a roll configuration. Compartment 21 is folded about the line of the temporary seal 16 back towards the compartment 20, and the flap 23 is folded about the fold line located along the line of the temporary seal 17.
• the flap 23 wraps around the outside of the compartment 20 and secures to the rear face of compartment 21 . This is shown in Figures 3A and 3B.
• Figures 1 and 2 show that the second temporary seal 17 (and fold line) is offset from a free edge 25 of the second sheet part 7 to form a throat 22 of the pouch.
• the first sheet part 6 is overlapped by the second sheet part 7 at the throat 22.
• the throat serves to prevent commodity (e.g. tobacco) from spilling out of the pouch.
• a plurality of fold lines are shown in Figure 1 .
• the folds can be formed when forming the pouch.
• the temporary seals 16, 17 provide a hermetic sealing of their respective compartments 20, 21 until access to the commodity is required by separating the first sheet 6 and the second sheet 7 to overcome the temporary seal.
• a user can gain access to compartment 21 by opening the temporary seal 17. This can be achieved by grasping the free edge 25 of the throat region 22 of the second sheet part 7 using fingers and applying a force against the flap 23 of the first sheet part 6 with another finger. Once a user has gained access to
• compartment 21 the other compartment 20 remains sealed until the temporary seal 16 is opened.
• the temporary seals 16, 17 can comprise or consist of a peelable adhesive seal or a resealable seal.
• the resealable seal may be a resealable adhesive seal, like e.g. a pressure sensitive adhesive, or a resealable fixing, like e.g. a zipper.
• at least one of the temporary seals 16, 17 comprises or consists of a peelable adhesive seal.
• the first temporary seal 16 may comprise or consist of a peelable adhesive seal
• the second temporary seal 17 may comprise or consist of a resealable seal, like e.g. a resealable adhesive seal or a resealable fixing.
• the temporary seals 16, 17 can comprise a peelable adhesive seal.
• a peelable adhesive is an adhesive which provides a seal, but which allows the seal to be opened by applying a separating force to the first sheet part 6 and second sheet part 7.
• a peelable adhesive layer can be pattern applied by means of Flexographic, Gravure, or digital printing/coating or by transfer application. The peelable adhesive can be applied with a weight in the range 0.5 - 12 grams/square metre, depending on the formulation of the adhesive and application process. This gives areas in the pack with lower heat seal bonds that keep the compartment together but still allow easy access by the means of a peelable opening.
• a peelable adhesive seal will typically not allow resealing after the seal has been opened.
• the temporary seal further comprises a resealable seal which can be provided in addition to the peelable adhesive seal.
• Figure 4 shows resealable seals 31 , 32.
• the resealable seal 32 is positioned inwardly of the temporary seal 17 (i.e. further from free edge 25).
• a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) can be used as a resealable seal.
• a PSA will adhere two surfaces, but allow their separation and later re-adherence.
• the PSA can be applied during manufacture by means of Flexographic, Gravure, Digital printing/coating or by transfer application.
• a typical weight range for the PSA is 0.5 to 20 grams/square metre.
• the peelable adhesive can be applied during forming the pouch (by the converter/packer) by means of a self-adhesive strip.
• a resealable fixing such as a zipper.
• a resealable fixing has two elements which cooperate to provide a seal.
• One of the resealable seal elements can be provided on the first sheet part 6 and the other of the resealable seal elements can be provided on second sheet part 7.
• another alternative to providing a resealable seal 31 , 32 is to create a removable or peel away tab/label within the laminate structure of the sheet material used to form the pouch.
• an outer layer of the laminate can be bonded to an inner layer by PSA.
• a cut line defining the tab/label can be created in the outer layer (e.g. by laser). Subsequently, a user can peel away the tab/label to reveal the resealable layer.
• These tabs/labels can be of any size or shape.
• the tab/label can be removed to reveal the resealable seal, and the resealable seal is thereafter used to seal the compartment.
• the permanent seals 14, 15 can be formed by heat sealing, i.e. applying heat to the region where the seal is required until the first sheet part 6 and the second sheet part 7 are fused together.
• the permanent seals 14, 15 are weld seals which are sufficiently strong to hold the pack together in normal use.
• the sheet material used to form the pouch has a variable heat sealing range.
• the adhesive properties of the sheet material vary according to temperature applied to the material.
• the material has a first (high) adhesion for a high applied temperature and a second (lower) adhesion value at a lower applied temperature.
• the material can be designed such that the first (high) adhesion is suitable for the permanent seals, and the second (lower) adhesion value is suitable for the temporary seals.
• the package can be formed by using a variable temperature sealing flat sheet which applies temperatures to regions of the flat sheet which are appropriate to the adhesion values required in those regions.
• the sealing temperature or dwell time can be altered, or a combination of both temperature and dwell time.
• the sheet material can comprise a co-extruded Polythene that exhibits variable heat seal properties depending on the combination of polymers used.
• the flat sheet of material 10 a layer of the flat sheet of material and/or a coating of the sheet of material may have adhesive properties which vary according to temperature applied to the material.
• each temporary seal line 16, 17 is a straight line transversely across the pouch between edges 12, 13.
• the temporary seal line can have other shapes. Any shape of seal line can be provided, such as a circle, arc, logo etc.
• One or more of the compartments 20, 21 can be divided into sub-compartments. An example of this is shown in Figures 5 and 6.
• An additional seal line 19 is provided.
• the seal 19 joins with seals 16, 17 to provide a hermetic seal between sub-compartments 21 A and 21 B and, similarly, provides a hermetic seal between sub-compartments 20A and 20B.
• sub-compartments 20A, 21 A can be used for storing tobacco
• sub-compartments 21 A, 21 B can be used for storing other smoker products, such as cigarette papers.
• seal 19 this is a temporary seal so that the seal can be opened when required. For example, after using the contents of compartment 21 , the sub-compartments can be merged into a single larger compartment to allow easier access to compartment 20. Further lines 19 can be provided to provide further sub-compartments, as required.
• each additional compartment requires a further temporary seal across the pouch.
• Each additional compartment is bounded by the first sheet part 6, the second sheet part 7, the first permanent seal 14, the second permanent seal 15, and a pair of temporary seals.
• the sheet material used to form the pouch can comprise a laminate.
• One or more layers of the laminate can serve as: an Oxygen barrier; a moisture barrier, an anti-microbial barrier; an odour barrier.
• a breathable layer could also be provided.
• a breathable layer can allow gases that build up in packages, e.g., coffee to escape the package without affecting the seal.
• An example of a three-layer laminate suitable for use as a packaging material is an outer layer formed of a polymer material, for example 20 micron orientated polypropylene (OPP) bonded to an inner layer, for example formed of 9 micron Aluminium foil.
• the inner foil layer is bonded to a second outer layer formed of a polymer material, which may be the same as the first outer layer, or a different polymer material.
• the triple-laminate structure is advantageous for packaging because it is hermetically sealed and flexible.
• the layers are laminated together utilising a permanent lamination adhesive.
• the flap 23 of the pouch can be formed as described in the co-pending UK Patent Application GB1216087.
• the pouch can be formed from two separate pieces of sheet material, with one of the pieces being laid upon, and sealed to, the other piece. Referring to Figure 1 , the first sheet part 6 and the second sheet part 7 will be separate pieces in this embodiment. An additional permanent seal is required between the first sheet part 6 and the second sheet part 7 along a first edge of the pouch, which is the position of the fold line 1 1 of Figure 1 .
• removable or peel away tabs/labels within the laminate structure of sheet material used to form the pouch.
• these can be created using layers which are bonded by PSA or by peelable adhesive. Cut lines can created by lasers. This could be used to create or add coupons, hidden messages or security devices such as QR codes, invisible watermarks, fluorescents or bi fluorescents or other security measures. It is also possible to create re-seal areas by the means of removable or peel away tabs/labels. These tabs/labels can be of any size or shape.
• the first temporary seal 16 is formed by two areas denoted with reference numerals 16A and 16B to indicate that the seal is finally formed between two specific areas of the first flexible sheet part 6 and the secod flexible sheet part 7.
• the flexible sheet part areas 16A and 16B are brought in contact and form the first temporary seal 16.
• the first temporary seal 16 is formed to comprise or consist of a peelable adhesive seal.
• the second temporary seal 17 is formed by two areas denoted with reference numerals 17A and 17B to indicate that the seal is finally formed between two specific areas of the first flexible sheet part 6 and the second flexible sheet part 7.
• the second temporary seal is formed to comprise or consist of a resealable seal, preferably of a resealable adhesive seal or a resealable fixing, like e.g. a zipper. If the resealable fixing is formed of a zipper, said zipper may havea width of 8 to 15 mm.
• the embodiment depicted in Figure 7 comprises additional folding lines adjacent to the first temporary seal areas 16A, 16B, 17A and 17B.
• Those folding lines define sealing areas 81 B and 82B on the first flexible sheet part 6 and sealing areas 81 A and 82A on the second flexible sheet part 7.
• sealing areas 81 A and 81 B come into contact and form sealing area 81
• sealing area 82A and 82B form sealing area 82.
• sealing areas 81 and 82 are folded from the remaining wide surface of the first flexible sheet part 6 and the second flexible sheet part 7, respectively.
• the sealing areas 81 and 82 are folded at an angle of 70° to 120°, preferably of 80° to 1 10°, relative to the wide surface area of the first or the second flexible sheet part 6, 7, respectively.
• the resulting package is shown in Figure 8, exhibiting sealing areas 81 and 82 which are arranged at opposing ends of the package and are approximately perpendicular to the remaining wide area of the flexible sheet parts 6 and 7. If the sealing areas 81 and 82 are folded away at such a preferred angle, the resulting package is able to stand on said sealing areas 81 and 82, i.e. said sealing areas 81 and 82 form a base or footprint for the package of the invention.
• Such a sealing area 81 , 82 may have a width from 1 mm to 3 cm, preferably from 2 mm to 2.5 cm. If the sealing area 81 , 82 has a width of less than 1 mm, said sealing area 81 , 82 may be less suitable to serve as base or footprint for the package of the invention.
• the first and the second temporary seals 16, 17 are formed in sealing areas 81 , 82 of the first and second flexible sheet part 6, 7 which is then folded from a wide surface area of the first and second flexible sheet part 6, 7, respectively.
• a pouch type package is, wherein the first compartment 20 is arranged in parallel to the second compartment 21 with a wide surface of the first compartment facing a wide surface of the second compartment.
• the sealing areas 81 , 82 are folded at an angle of 70° to 120°, preferably of 80° to 1 10°, relative to the wide surface area of the first or the second flexible sheet part 6, 7, respectively.
• the package of the invention comprising such sealing areas 81 , 82 is able to stand on said sealing areas 81 , 82, i.e. said sealing areas 81 , 82 may form a base or footprint for the package of the invention.
• the two sealing areas 81 and 82 are formed at opposing ends of the package (i.e. first and second temporary seals 16, 17 are formed in respective opposing sealing areas 81 , 82 respectively), the resulting package will exhibit an improved stackability compared to classical pouch type packages.
• the opposed sealing areas 81 , 82 may be formed such that they are coordinated in size, width and/or position.
• the opposing sealing areas 81 , 82 exhibit equal size and/or width.
• the opposing sealing areas 81 , 82 are formed and located such that the resulting package exhibits a cuboid-like outer appearance, wherein the opposing sealing areas 81 , 82 form two opposing faces of said cuboid.
• the sealing areas 81 , 82 may have a width which exceeds the sum of the thickness of the first compartment 20 and thesecond compartment 21 and, thus, allows for the formation of a spacing between the first and second compartment 20, 21 .
• Such spacing may be used to place politicians like e.g. a paper booklet between the first and second compartment 20, 21 .
• Each of said sealing area 81 , 82 may have a width from 1 mm to 3 cm, preferably from 2 mm to 2.5 cm. If the sealing area 81 , 82 has a width of less than 1 mm, said sealing area 81 , 82 may be less suitable to serve as base or footprint for the package of the invention.
• any reference to 'an' item refers to one or more of those items, he term 'comprising' is used herein to mean including the method blocks or elements identified, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Composite Materials (AREA)
• Bag Frames (AREA)
• Packages (AREA)
• Making Paper Articles (AREA)
• Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
• Control And Other Processes For Unpacking Of Materials (AREA)

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Citations (5)

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• 2013
  • 2013-07-30 GB GB1313618.9A patent/GB2516695A/en not_active Withdrawn
• 2014
  • 2014-07-24 TR TR2018/02265T patent/TR201802265T4/tr unknown
  • 2014-07-24 US US14/905,156 patent/US9943106B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2014-07-24 NO NO14744518A patent/NO3027523T3/no unknown
  • 2014-07-24 MX MX2016001212A patent/MX2016001212A/es unknown
  • 2014-07-24 AU AU2014298700A patent/AU2014298700B2/en active Active
  • 2014-07-24 ES ES14744518.3T patent/ES2661408T3/es active Active
  • 2014-07-24 EP EP14744518.3A patent/EP3027523B1/en active Active
  • 2014-07-24 UA UAA201512746A patent/UA117678C2/uk unknown
  • 2014-07-24 HU HUE14744518A patent/HUE038587T2/hu unknown
  • 2014-07-24 MA MA38832A patent/MA38832A1/fr unknown
  • 2014-07-24 RU RU2016104106A patent/RU2665410C2/ru not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2014-07-24 IE IES20140178A patent/IES86502B2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2014-07-24 JP JP2016530442A patent/JP6271729B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2014-07-24 CA CA2919758A patent/CA2919758A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2014-07-24 BR BR112016001722A patent/BR112016001722A2/pt not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2014-07-24 PL PL14744518T patent/PL3027523T3/pl unknown
  • 2014-07-24 NZ NZ715337A patent/NZ715337A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2014-07-24 PT PT147445183T patent/PT3027523T/pt unknown
  • 2014-07-24 WO PCT/EP2014/065902 patent/WO2015014704A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2014-07-25 AU AU2014206209A patent/AU2014206209A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2014-07-29 ES ES201431065U patent/ES1135414Y/es not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2014-07-30 IT ITTO2014U000104U patent/ITTO20140104U1/it unknown
  • 2014-07-30 TW TW103125953A patent/TWI631048B/zh not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2018
  • 2018-02-21 CY CY181100203T patent/CY1121124T1/el unknown

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